We attended the NZPF conference in Invercargill last week along with some of our Executive Team (Andy, John and Carolyn) where we met with Principals from around the country. We talked about the Managed Network, the timing of school connections and also the experience that schools had while connecting. It was exciting to hear from Principals who are already using the Managed Network and there was certainly a lot of anticipation from schools that are just about to connect! We were grateful to receive lots of feedback, which was overwhelmingly positive. This was a real highlight for both of us. We have got to know many of the Principals quite well and it was lovely to get the opportunity to catch up with them again.
We were also demonstrating Pond. Last week Pond was opened up to all teachers nationwide so this was a key message for us to get out there. This news was very well received with many Principals opting to sign their whole staff up to our ‘Make a Splash’ programme which offers five weeks of training and learning for teachers entering this exciting new resource.
The conference events were hosted by the very funny Paul Ego (aka the Pak n Save Stickman and Co-host of 7 Days). We attended Tuesday night drinks with Principals at the Southern Roar which showcased an amazing array of Southland delicacies including our favourite… “The World Famous in Southland Cheese Roll”. The hospitality was outstanding. We also had the pleasure of hearing from the town’s Mayor, Tim Shadbolt.
Lisa and John attended Wednesday nights Kai at the Mai Mai held at the Lone Star, while Sian and Andy attended the Southern Institute of Technology Culinary and Campus Dinner. The Campus dinner was hosted by the Diploma in Hospitality Students from SIT and was a real treat with 5 courses.
On the last night of the Conference we all got dressed in our True Colours and headed to the Gala Dinner where we were entertained, firstly by some of Southland’s finest cyclists racing around the velodrome. It was great to see some Principals having a go too! This was followed up by a wonderful dinner hosted by Paul Ego. Plenty of dancing to the live band loosened everyone up. The night ended with a lively after party at Invercargill’s chic Barluca. Such fun!